Wooden Blinds For Autumn (And Money Saving Tips!)

As the mornings grow darker and the trees begin to turn from green to red, it’s time to celebrate autumn, the season of harvests, pumpkins and bonfires. Autumn is also the time when we start to notice a chill in the air – the gentle reminder that the colder months are on their way, and it’s time to start preparing.

If you’ve managed to refrain from switching on the central heating until now, congratulations! The same can’t be said for the rest of us at Wooden Blinds Direct. There’s nothing worse than waking up in a freezing cold house, or stepping out of the shower onto sub-zero tiles. At the same time, receiving your energy bills throughout the autumn and winter can be less than pleasant, with most families spending up to 30% more at this time of year.

Today, we want to share our top tips for staying warm when it gets cold outside. Find out how to keep cosy and cut costs by reading on!

1. Install wooden blinds

First and foremost, consider updating your window dressings. You may not realise that wooden blinds are an excellent solution for improving thermal efficiency. Since wood is a natural insulator, your blinds will create a sturdy barrier between your home and windows, reducing the amount of heat that can be lost through exposed glass. Your new wooden blinds will also help banish any drafts.

2. Be thermostat smart

When you’re out and about, turn your heating down. You can then set it on a timer to kick in half an hour before you get home. When you’re in, set it at a temperature that’s as low as is comfortable. You should also turn it down further before bedtime – if your house is too hot and stuffy, you won’t sleep as well. Your timer will also work well for the morning, ensuring your home has heated up a little before you get out of bed.

3. Shift your sofa

Though it might feel warm and cosy to have your sofa in front of the radiator, the fabric will actually absorb a considerable amount of heat, meaning the rest of your space will suffer. Leave a large gap between your furniture and radiator, or if possible, relocate it to a completely different area of the room. This technique should also be considered when drying clothes – the more items that cover a radiator’s surface, the more heat that will be absorbed.

4. Insulate your tank

If your home has a hot water tank, be sure to check that it’s properly insulated. This will keep your water warm for longer, thus reducing the amount of energy required to heat it up. By purchasing a new jacket for your tank, you could end up saving around £150 a year. Make sure that all the pipes are lagged too, which ensures heat isn’t lost on the journey from the tank to tap.

5. Banish drafts and leaks

There are a number of areas that can lose heat in your home. Windows and doors are an obvious place to check, but have you considered your chimney, recessed lights or gaps between cupboards and fitted units? All of these spaces can be the reason for heat loss, which means you spend more money re-heating your home. Solve the problem by filling gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.

Discover the best wooden blinds for your home by exploring our full collection. You can also take advantage of our FREE Interior Design Service by contacting our Interior Design Specialists directly: [email protected] or 01924 848739  (8:30-4:30 MON-FRI)